Chapter Seven: The Mysterious Church

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It was Liu Shan on the phone. He told me that he had captured Xu Wenhai at the hospital. The reason was that this guy was a key member of a mysterious “church,” though his exact identity was unclear. After hearing this, I hurriedly called Xu Fen and rushed to the hospital.

Upon arriving at the hospital ward, I saw Liu Shan proudly leading a team toward the two of us. Xu Fen was about to step forward to intervene, but I stopped her.

I shouted, “Don’t go!”

Her voice trembled with tears as she said, “He’s my father...”

I replied, “He’s not your father. Your father is over there.” I pointed behind us.

And there, approaching, was An Qimin. I had noticed many similarities between An Qimin’s and Xu Fen’s statements, especially about how at eight years old she left with a stranger, which coincided precisely with the time An Qimin sold a girl. I had also taken saliva from An Qimin and a cup Xu Fen had drunk from in the ward. Using the residue, I conducted a DNA test that showed a 99% match, confirming a parent-child relationship. In other words, Xu Fen was actually An Mingshan, the girl An Qimin sold eight years ago. So on the way here, I had called An Qimin, asking him to come to the hospital to recognize his daughter. Unexpectedly, he recognized her immediately and embraced her tightly, but I pulled him away.

At that moment, Liu Shan cleared his throat in a formal tone and said, “Ahem, police are carrying out official duties. Bystanders, please clear the way!”

I knew he was referring to us—who would just wander around a hospital at eight or nine in the evening otherwise?

I stepped forward and asked Liu Shan, “What are you doing?”

Liu Shan proudly said, “Arresting someone. Our informant reported that Xu Wenhai here—no, he should be called a provincial-level...”

I interjected, “Could it be ‘Provincial Leader’?”

A cold sweat broke out on my back as I spoke.

Liu Shan continued, “Yes, a ‘Provincial Leader.’ This so-and-so is suspected of involvement in a cult, with solid evidence, so we’re taking him in for investigation.” But when I saw them handcuff Xu Wenhai to a wheelchair, I was speechless...

Xu Wenhai, sitting in the wheelchair, pointed at me excitedly and said, “I’m reporting! He’s also one of our ‘brothers.’ He’s the provincial leader of Shanxi!” I was at a loss for words again...

Luckily, Liu Shan said, “Any more accusations? Want me to find a few more for you? Take him away!” As they pushed him past me, I caught Xu Wenhai’s eyes burning with hatred, as if he wanted to kill me.

At last, this whole mess was settled. But another matter remained—the father and daughter reunion of the An family.

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I said, “Come on, let’s go to my shop and talk.”

Liu Shan asked, “What about me?”

I said, “Do whatever you need to do.”

Liu Shan muttered quietly, “What a strange person.”

I asked, “What did you say?”

He replied, “Nothing. I just meant I have to report back. Not everyone can live so carefree... ah!” Suddenly, An Mingshan appeared at his left side and pinched his left arm, whispering, “Told you to keep quiet.” Of course, only I could hear this.

I said, “Enough, stop fooling around! Here’s the deal, fatty, I’ll go back with you to report, alright? Tonight, we have to get him to talk! And Uncle An, you two go home first, come to my shop tomorrow morning. Now, everyone get back to work!”

Finally, Liu Shan and I took Xu Wenhai back to the Paranormal Bureau, and I arranged for the An family to be sent home.

In the interrogation room at the Paranormal Bureau.

I asked, “Name?”

Xu Wenhai said, “Forgot.”

Liu Shan slammed the table and shouted, “Do you think you can walk out of here? Behave yourself!”

I said, “Liu Shan, calm down, sit! You said you forgot? Be honest! Name?”

Xu Wenhai replied, “Xu Wenhai.”

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Liu Shan demanded, “What’s the name of your cult? How many members? Where are your hideouts? Speak!”

Suddenly, Xu Wenhai became arrogant, laughing maniacally like a madman. “I’ll tell you! I’m here on an ‘inspection’ as a ‘provincial leader,’ and I’m supposed to report progress to the ‘High Priest.’ If you know what’s good for you, release me! When I return and report, the ‘High Priest’ might be so pleased he grants you a complete body!”

Liu Shan yelled, “You scoundrels, how many heinous crimes have you committed? Speak!”

Xu Wenhai retorted, “How dare you call our ‘Divine Spirit Sect’ a cult? You’ve got some nerve!”

Alright, I figured it out—this guy was a remnant of a cult that the Paranormal Bureau had once eradicated. But recalling the way he looked at me earlier in the hospital, something felt off. So I quickly changed the subject and asked, “Where did Xu Fen come from?”

Xu Wenhai said, “She’s my daughter. You’re not going to meddle in my private matters, are you?”

I said, “You’re lying! I have solid evidence she’s not your child. Tell me! Where did she really come from? At this point, be honest and maybe you’ll get leniency.”

Xu Wenhai said, “I bought her a few years ago. The previous owner said, or so he heard, that this child was bought from a poor man named An Qimin over ten years ago. No one knows how many hands she passed through before ending up with him, and then eventually with me.”

Now I was almost certain Xu Fen was actually An Mingshan, the girl An Qimin sold over a decade ago. The truth was finally clear. But what was this cult that Xu Wenhai belonged to? Was it the Divine Spirit Sect? If so, what role did he play in the organization? These were questions waiting for me to uncover.

Reader Q&A.

Q: Author, is writing hard?

A: Of course. To reap rewards, one must put in effort. I believe that as long as I keep updating consistently, unexpected rewards will surely come.